England Refuses to Play Against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025

The Champions Trophy is going to be played jointly in Pakistan and UAE from 19 February 2025. One month and a few days are left for the tournament to start, but still, the troubles of the ICC ICC are not coming to an end

Why England Refuses to Play Afghanistan

The tournament is being organized in a hybrid model after India refused to tour Pakistan. Now, the England Cricket Board has refused to play a match against Afghanistan. Let us tell you the big reason behind this-

According to the Times of India report, 160 British MPs have urged the England Cricket Board not to play a match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The reason behind this is the ban imposed on women’s rights by the Taliban government of Afghanistan. Let us tell you, that the Taliban government has banned women from participating in any kind of sports, which is a violation of ICC rules.

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Impact on the Champions Trophy

Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Labor Party chief Jeremy Corbyn. He urged the ECB to “raise its voice against the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule”.

Speaking on the issue, Richard Gould, Chief Executive of the England Cricket Board, said,

“The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The ICC constitution mandates that all member countries commit to the development of women’s cricket.

In line with this commitment, the ECB maintains its stance of not hosting any bilateral cricket matches with Afghanistan. Although there is no consensus within the ICC on further international action, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures.”

As per the schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025. The match between England and Afghanistan is to be played on 26 February in Lahore.